Former Bears outfielder Brian Barton hoping to make impact with Cincinnati Reds

Brian Barton had his “cup of coffee” in the Major Leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals during the 2008 season, and like any player getting a taste of big league baseball, wanted seconds.

After going undrafted out of college, Barton was signed by the Cleveland Indians late in the 2004 season. He would start out with Cleveland’s single-A minor league team, and was gradually able to rise in the farm system until he reached the club’s Triple-A affiliate. Despite putting up very good numbers throughout his tenure with the Indians’ farm teams, Barton was unable to make it on to the 40-man roster and was picked up by the Cardinals during the annual Rule 5 draft.

Barton was able to realize his childhood dream as he made the St. Louis Cardinals’ opening-day roster during the 2008 campaign. Although not a full-time starter, Barton appeared in 82 games with the club and posted a respectable .268 batting average to go along with a .354 on-base percentage and 13 RBIs.

Even though he was a solid contributor on the Cardinals squad, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves the following season where he only appeared in one game. Barton would bounce around the minor leagues for a few seasons as he tried in vain to catch on with another major league team.

After being released by the Braves for a second time early in the 2010 season, Barton was able to find a home and starting job with the Newark Bears. Over the course of the 2010 season, Barton flashed all the physical tools that made him so desired by the Cleveland Indians all those years ago as he lead the Bears in almost every major offensive category.

For the season, Barton hit an astounding .375 to along with 19 homeruns, 65 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. His peers in the Atlantic League took notice of Barton’s truly remarkable season as he was named to the Atlantic League All-Star team, the only Bear to make the roster last season.
It turns out that Barton made so much noise during his time with the Bears that he was able to catch the attention of some Major League Baseball officials once again. The reigning National League Central Champion Cincinnati Reds caught wind of what Barton had accomplished in Newark last season and signed him to a minor league contract.

Although he has not officially made a major league roster yet, Brian Barton was able to make the most of his time with the Newark Bears and put on a display that reminded everyone how talented he truly is. Now Barton must prove himself again, as he must work his way up the deep Reds’ farm system.

Though the road will be tough and there will be bumps along the way, there is no doubt that Barton will build on his success last season with the Bears and make the city of Newark proud with his hard work and relentless desire.



(examiner.com)